Ms. Look’s statement referencing murder and Allah is Islamaphobia and has no place in the article. Even in the context of opinion, including it violates CAJ’s principles of impartial and fair reporting. It adds nothing to the argument other than fanning the flames of hatred against an increasingly marginalized group.
Dear Mr Magdar and Ms. Lucci,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my concern regarding your article titled: “'We go from tragedy to joy, and that’s our story': Côte-St-Luc commemorates Oct. 7 victims, celebrates hostages' release” published on October 13, 2025.
The return of the hostages and the ceasefire plan is both tragedy and joy not only for Israelis and Jewish people but also for Palestinians. Thank you for naming the horrific losses that the Palestinians have endured in terms of lives lost and the ‘humanitarian crisis’ and also for questioning MP House’s omission of any reference to the Palestinians in his statement.
My major concern with your article is with the quote by Raquel Ohnona Look:
“We do not need another Birmingham here, a Manchester or any of our institutions being shot up in the name of Allah. The hatred, the intimidation must be met with courage.”
Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy’s definition of Islamophobia includes racism, stereotypes, prejudice, fear, or acts of hostility directed toward Muslims. In addition to individual acts of intolerance and racial profiling, Islamophobia can unfairly lead to viewing and treating Muslims as a greater security threat on an institutional, systemic and societal level.
Ms. Look’s statement referencing murder and Allah is Islamaphobia and has no place in the article. Even in the context of opinion, including it violates CAJ’s principles of impartial and fair reporting. It adds nothing to the argument other than fanning the flames of hatred against an increasingly marginalized group.
Thank you for considering my request. I await your response.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard
Kelowna, British Columbia